FAQs - Accelerated JD
Key Dates
Summer classes for Accelerated JD students will be held in-person.
- Application priority deadline: February 1, 2024
- Request classroom accommodations: Monday, May 6
For more information contact the Dean of Students Office - Tuition due: Saturday, May 4
- Health insurance waiver due: Wednesday, May 15
- Summer orientation: Held via Zoom, dates are TBD.
- Summer classes begin: Monday, May 20
- Summer exams: Monday, August 12 – Thursday, August 15
- Fall orientation:Monday, August 19 – Friday, August 23
(Fall orientation is mandatory for traditional JD students and optional for accelerated students) - Fall classes start:Monday, August 26
FAQs
Q. What is the Accelerated JD Program?
A. The Accelerated JD Program enables students to complete the entire course of study for the juris doctor degree in two years as a full-time student or three years as a part-time evening student. It has the same curriculum requirements as our traditional full-time and part-time programs, but in a shorter time frame. Accelerated students take classes for two summers (beginning in May before 1L and during the summer between 1L and 2L), enabling them to graduate one full year earlier.
Q. How do I apply?
A. Accelerated JD students submit the same application and follow the same steps to apply as traditional JD applicants. To find the application on LSAC.org, select the "Fall-First Time" application; then, under the degree program options (Question 3), select "Accelerated JD."
Q. Who is eligible to apply?
A. All JD-eligible applicants can apply, so long as their bachelor’s degree is earned before classes start in May. The accelerated JD is a rigorous and competitive program, designed for self-motivated, organized, and diligent students. Applicants should demonstrate these traits in their application.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Accelerated law students pay the same total tuition as traditional law students. The per-semester tuition is the same for each fall, spring and accelerated summer. This means accelerated students earning a JD in six semesters over two years will pay the same total tuition as traditional students earning a JD in six semesters over three years. Students who complete the degree in less time will, of course, have lower cost living expenses during their time in law school with the ability to enter the workforce a year sooner.
Q. Can I get merit aid?
A. Yes. Applicants to the Accelerated JD Program are eligible for financial aid and merit scholarships to the same extent as applicants to the traditional full-time and part-time programs. All admitted students are considered for merit-based scholarships based on their LSAT and undergraduate GPA.
Q. Can I apply to the Accelerated JD Program and the traditional JD program?
A. No. You must select only one program on the application. However, if you change your mind after you are accepted (and before the summer session begins), you can request a change to the traditional JD program. If you are not accepted to the accelerated program, you will automatically be considered for the traditional JD program.
Q. Can I earn a dual degree and participate in the accelerated JD program?
A. No. You cannot earn two degrees in two years as a full-time student or three years as a part-time student.
Q. I have already applied. Can I switch my application to the accelerated JD program?
A. Yes, if you have not yet received a decision. Contact the Office of Law Admission before April 15 to switch your application to the Accelerated JD program rather than the traditional JD.
Q. What is the first-year accelerated JD schedule for the summer?
A. Typically, first-year accelerated JD Summer courses take place 3 evenings per week. This year's schedule will be released at a later time.
Q. What is the class schedule for summer classes?
A. Three to four days per week (not Fridays) from 5:30 - 9:35 p.m.
Q. If I cannot start classes in May, can I take part in the accelerated JD program?
A. No. Students must start in May and take classes during both the first and second summers to complete enough credits to graduate in either two years (as a full-time student) or three years (as a part-time evening student).
Q. Can I opt out if I change my mind?
A. Yes. Students who start in the summer accelerated program may later decide to complete their degree in 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4 years instead. The early start and summer session simply offer added flexibility.
Q. Can I decelerate into the traditional JD program if I change my mind?
A. Yes. Students who start in the summer accelerated program may later decide to complete their degree in or 4 years instead. The early start and summer session simply offer added flexibility.
Q. If I am not accepted to the accelerated program, can I be considered for the traditional JD program?
A. Yes. Applicants not accepted in the accelerated program will automatically be considered for the traditional three-year or four-year program.
Q. Is there a summer health insurance plan?
A. Yes. State law requires all students without a qualifying health insurance plan to participate in the Suffolk University Student Health Insurance Plan. If you do not want to participate in Suffolk health plan, then you must complete a waiver before summer classes begin. All accelerated students who do not complete the waiver will be automatically enrolled in Suffolk's summer health insurance plan and charged the policy premium.
Q. Will I need to waive health insurance again in the fall?
A. Yes. Accelerated students who waive Suffolk's health insurance plan that covers the summer months will need to complete another waiver in the fall to opt out of Suffolk's full-year health insurance plan. Accelerated students who do not complete the online waiver in the fall will be automatically enrolled in Suffolk’s full-year health insurance plan and will be charged the premium. For more information, view our student health requirements.
Q. Will I be able to join a clinic during my second year (full-time) or third year (part-time evening)?
A. Yes, as long as you meet the clinical eligibility requirements.
Q. Will I be able to join Law Review, Moot Court, Trial Team, the Student Bar Association and other student groups?
A. Yes.
Q. Will I be able to seek a job, externship or internship during the second summer?
A. Yes. Accelerated summer classes begin after 5 p.m.
Q. How will accelerated students be ranked?
A. Students in the Accelerated JD program will receive an official class rank as second-year students in their respective division at the conclusion of their third semester. Accelerated JD students may be ranked unofficially with first-year students at the conclusion of their third semester for the sole purpose of determining certain honors, including but not limited to some scholarships, career opportunities, and honor board competitions.
Q. What are the advantages of the accelerated JD program?
A. Students can earn their law degree in a shorter time period, enabling them to enter the job market a year earlier than students who pursue a traditional three-year JD. As a result, the length of time they spend as a full-time student with limited earning power is substantially reduced.